The principal aim of this paper is to formulate a general model for predict
ing damping in composites on the basis of the concept of strain energy-weig
hted dissipation. In this model, the effects of interlaminar stresses on da
mping have been included in addition to the effects of in-plane extension/c
ompression and in-plane shear. Validation of the model was confirmed by per
forming damping measurements on 0 degrees unidirectional composite beams wi
th varying length and thickness. The results of theoretical predictions of
damping in laminated composites were found to compare favorably with experi
mental data. The transverse shear (sigma(xz)) reveals to have a considerabl
e effect on the damping mechanisms in 0 degrees unidirectional polymer comp
osites. However, the other interlaminar stresses (sigma(yz), sigma(z)) were
shown to have little influence on damping in composite beam.